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Over the last two years, UNESCO has reinforced the essential role of culture in the response to the developmental, security and humanitarian challenges facing our contemporary societies. Among its many achievements in the field of culture, the integration of cultural protection concerns into security and peacebuilding efforts and the recognition of the role of culture for sustainable development in the 2030 Agenda are the most fundamental. On this occasion, the Culture Commission for the 39th session of the UNESCO General Conference will review a series of items that seek to deepen these efforts, including the adoption of the Programme and Budget for 2018-2021 and the conclusions of the Youth Forum.
Highlights
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The role of culture for resilience, peace and security
In recent years, cultural heritage and cultural expressions have increasingly become the direct targets of systematic and deliberate attacks in numerous conflicts around the world.
Thanks to the leadership and advocacy efforts of UNESCO and its global partners, we are witnessing a new response to these unprecedented challenges, which integrate culture in the framework of humanitarian, security, peacekeeping and human rights policies and operations. This is exemplified by a number of groundbreaking UN resolutions, which have laid out a new international agenda for the protection of culture, and notably cultural heritage, in emergency situations.
Read the appeal on “Protecting culture and promoting cultural pluralism: The key to lasting peace
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The role of culture for sustainable development
The integration of culture in the 2030 Agenda has marked a turning point in the international community’s pursuit of sustainable development. The recognition of the role of culture as an enabler of sustainable development, particularly in SDG 11 and throughout the New Urban Agenda, makes culture a key part of the response to contemporary urban challenges.
The UNESCO Global Report on Culture for Sustainable Urban Development “Culture: Urban Future”, is now available worldwide as a policy framework document to support decision-makers in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda with the aim of building inclusive, resilient and sustainable societies.
Read the New Urban Agenda
Landmarks
Events
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06 November 2017
Inauguration of the replica of the winged bull of Nimrud
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06 November 2017
Screening of the film "The Destruction of Memory
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08 November 2017
Setting a New Agenda: Partnerships for Artistic Freedom